I think you underestimate how powerful the rating system is on the behavior of the people who serve you on a day to day basis is.
It's quite possible that Uber drivers do not want to give you any reason to give a negative rating, including being open about their actual feelings about the economic arrangements that govern their relationship to you.
And let's not forget pride, and denial. I have had many lousy jobs in my life. When I get the second universal question, "Do you like your job?". I always respond, "It's o.k.--it's just temporary anyway!" (The first universal question I get is "What do you do?".)
I really don't like those questions. I know they are necessary questions in some settings, but overused questions by the "I define myself by what present occupation I currently have people."
As to this rating system; I'm sorry people, companies are overusing it. I'm kind of sick of it. I couldn't imagine buying a four door, 2008 or newer vehicle(until recently), Uber approved vechicle, and have to worry about customer ratings. These ratings should be private, and if the employee is a bad apple; fire him!
I have a friend I met completely outside of Uber who is a full-time Uber driver. He says he loves driving, meeting all sorts of people, and choosing his own hours. It's obviously just one anecdote, but I'm pretty sure he's not lying.
Recently he was annoyed that they were taking longer than he'd like to process the paperwork for his newly purchased car. Other than that I don't recall any specifics.
I was on the verge of giving an Uber driver a bad rating once because he wouldn't stop yapping about how great Uber is for him (I had not asked, and I generally prefer my rides to be quiet).
It's quite possible that Uber drivers do not want to give you any reason to give a negative rating, including being open about their actual feelings about the economic arrangements that govern their relationship to you.